Toddlers testing boundaries

You may find that your toddler is testing the boundaries of behaviour by hitting, screaming, biting or throwing tantrums. Rest assured this is completely normal, they're looking to you for guidance at this age and there are ways in which you can manage behaviours to make sure they learn what is right and wrong.

There are many reasons why a toddler might behave badly:

  • They’re tired, hungry, over excited or bored

  • They’re frustrated as they’re unable to communicate what they want/need

  • Something is upsetting them such as a recent change at home such as parental separation, new baby, moving house, grief 

  • Started a new setting such as nursery or pre-school

  • You’re having a hard time and they’re picking up on it

  

  • Try to stay calm and remember they're not behaving badly to frustrate you; they’re trying to tell you something.
  • Talk to your toddler, show them you care and want to help. Get down to their level so you’re not towering above them.
  • Try praising and rewarding good behaviour more than you focus on telling them off for their bad behaviour. 
  • Dealing with child behaviour problems - NHS
  • If bad behaviour continues and you're unsure what else to do, please speak to family members and/or your health visitor for help.